Four Power Washing Tips and When to Call the Pros

There’s no denying that power washing can remove grit, dirt, and grime from wooden decks, concrete patios, porches, and driveways with ease. Although just about anyone can operate a pressure washer on their own, there are some instances in which it is best to call a pro. Here’s everything you need to know about do-it-yourself power washing.

Renting or Buying a Pressure Washer

First things first, you’ll need to get your hands on a pressure washer. These come in low-pressure and high-pressure models, and some are hybrids that are capable of doing both. Rentals typically cost between $50 and $75 a day depending on the equipment and where you live. If you want to purchase your equipment, you can expect to spend anywhere from $70 to $200 for a low-power electric model, between $300 and $1000 for a more powerful gas model, or upwards of $1000 for a commercial machine.

Don’t Overdo It

The best piece of advice for anyone who is interested in do-it-yourself power washing at home is to start with low-pressure settings and gradually work up to higher pressures. Power is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch, and some of the machines you can buy or rent are capable of producing more than 3000 PSI – enough to punch large holes in vinyl siding or even take a chunk out of cement.

Use Safety Precautions

Many of the machines available for sale or rent can cause significant injury, so before you get started, it is important to wear protective glasses, gloves, long sleeves, and boots. If you’re power washing your home, make sure that you start from the top and work your way down, but do not allow the stream of water to penetrate electrical outlets, screens, or windows. What’s more, you should make sure that you use extreme caution around wires, exterior lights, and electric panels of any sort. Finally, keep an eye on the wind so that you can adjust your position to avoid being hit with water or debris.

When to Call a Professional

There are several tips that can help you decide when and if you need to hire a professional to power wash your home, patio, deck, or driveway. If you have never used a pressure washer before, hiring a pro is always the best idea since they have the training necessary to work with high pressure on a variety of materials. If the job is particularly large, or if you need to clean areas that are hard to reach, such as the roof, it is often in your best interest to hire a professional who has the experience to do so safely.